4 Growing Anticipations

Sameer had barely managed to catch a single deer as he hunted in the moonlight, his mind continually drifting back to Selene. It wasn't just her alluring beauty that haunted him; it was the memory of those water droplets cascading off her smooth naked body, leaving him unable to concentrate on anything else.

Frustrated and painfully aroused, he abandoned the hunt and trudged back to his small cabin nestled deeper within the forest.

There, on an empty stomach, he threw himself on his simple bed, groaning as he recalled the tempting sight of Selene. His thoughts soon took a provocative turn as images of luscious things he'd like to do to her danced at the back of his mind.

However, these fantasies collided with the infuriating presence of Andreas, the ever-present guard who stood between him and the princess. Andreas was like a pesky mosquito that cried and danced around people's ears at night causing them to lose sleep and no matter how much they tried to drive it away it always returned with its irritating presence.

With a deep sigh, Sameer tried to dismiss these troubling thoughts, vowing to shake them off as he closed his eyes and drifted into a restless slumber. Little did he know that his mind would not be so easily tamed.

As he awoke, he found himself with an uncomfortable issue that needed immediate attention. Grumbling, he took a quick, cold bath in the river close to his house, successfully cooling off the heated desire that had plagued him.

Still dazed and hungry, he decided to head to the nearby market to buy something to eat. The sun hung high in the sky, sweat dripped from his forehead, down his neck under his hood but that didn't stop him from admiring the magnificence of the town as he strolled down the market street. Purple and blue trees lined the path, pretty floral decorations adorned the stalls, and the purple and white country's flag waved proudly in the breeze.

People bustled about in vibrant attire, and the air was filled with enthusiasm and the sweet scent of baked goods and flowers. The street was clean enough, and the atmosphere was lively, setting an idyllic scene in motion.

Sameer noticed the townspeople were unusually busy, preparing for a forthcoming event, yet he had no clue of what it might be. He decided to eavesdrop on the gossip churning in the air, catching snippets of conversations among the townspeople. As the whispers reached his ears, he froze in shock, his mind in a frenzy.

"Did you hear about Prince Kang-Dae and Princess Selene's engagement?" one passerby remarked to his friend Reginald, the town's gossip.

"I couldn't believe it either Cee! When I heard the news from my sources, I immediately went to work and oh boy! Oh boy! The Prince of Mu is mighty fine, I must confess, phew!" Reginald fanned his face with his hand fan demonstrating to his friend just how sizzling the prince was.

Sameer felt his jaw clench as he listened to the murmurs. He was utterly surprised and perplexed. Why hadn't Selene mentioned this? She always told him everything. Or that was what he was led to believe.

He remembered her vague mention of an engagement party the previous night, but he assumed it was for one of her family members. The realization that the engagement party was for Selene and Prince Kang Dae left him in a state of befuddlement.

As he continued to walk through the market, he knew he had to find a way to see Selene and understand what was truly going on. Last he remembered she was the one the other day preaching to him about freedom and how she envied him because he was able to do what he wanted when he wanted.

So why would she keep such a piece of important information hidden from him?

Despite living in Arcadia for the past six years, he often felt alienated from the locals, in part because he hailed from the southern kingdom, but also because he always seemed to be the last person to hear about significant news. Significant news like the marriage of his only friend.

Meanwhile, the castle was a whirlwind of activities as it prepared for the arrival of Prince Kang-Dae, who had sent a rider to announce that he would be arriving a day earlier than expected.

The grand halls echoed with the sound of servants rushing to put the final touches on the decorations, the maids dashing about to ensure every corner was spotless, and the chefs toiling away to create a lavish feast. 

Amidst the frenzy, Selene stood in her chamber. The royal beauticians and servants had already left the room after adorning her in a fine lilac bare-shoulder long-sleeve silk dress. The dress hugged her upper body, leaving her cleavage to be modestly exposed, before flaring out from her waist and flowing gracefully to the ground.

Her long, flowing white hair, immaculately styled in an updo, displayed a level of elegance and sophistication that only enhanced her natural beauty. A few strands of hair framed her face, softening the contours of her features, and lending an air of effortless grace to her regal appearance.

Light and neutral makeup pronounced her striking features, drawing attention to her enchanting sapphire eyes that sparkled with a hint of mischief. Her lips, painted a delicate shade of pink, appeared a touch redder and slightly fuller, courtesy of the lip treatment provided by the royal beauticians.

In that moment, Selene embodied the very essence of royalty, a vision of ethereal beauty and poise. She looked every bit the princess she was born to be, despite the turmoil that raged beneath the surface of her serene exterior.

For a while she stared at her reflection in the full-length golden-framed mirror, her anxiety rose as the evening's events grew closer. She felt like a captured butterfly. Instead of being trapped in a glass bottle, she felt encased in silk and regality. 

As Selene stepped out of her room, adorned in her silk dress, she was met by the sight of her guard, Andreas, who stood with tireless poise outside her door. He was immaculately dressed in the customary black uniform reserved for those who had the privilege of serving the royal family directly. The sword hanging at his side, securely sheathed, reflected the solemnity of his role.

What caught Selene's attention, however, was the transformation in Andreas's appearance. His once long, voluminous brown hair, which he had typically tied in a ponytail, was now short and meticulously styled, held in place with a touch of gel. She couldn't help but be taken aback by the change, even though she had a fondness for his former long hair.

"You cut your hair," she remarked, lips curved into a charming smile as her voice betrayed her surprise.

Andreas's response was calm, his demeanour composed, as he replied, "I thought it was time for a change, Princess. Do you like it?"

She took a moment to appreciate his new look, her eyes scanning his rugged features and the well-groomed hair that now framed his face. "You look good," she admitted, her words laced with a trace of sensuality.

Andreas continued to maintain his calm exterior, concealing the whirlwind of emotions that her compliment stirred within. He nodded appreciatively, his voice carrying the weight of formality. "Thank you, Princess. I'm glad you approve."

With a nod and a smile, Selene gestured for him to follow as they proceeded down the corridor, the atmosphere was charged with unspoken tension.

They passed by servants who greeted her with a hurried reverence, their voices filled with awe and admiration because truly Selene was a sight to behold.

Despite her calm stunning appearance and cool poise, her insides were a chaotic mess of emotions. Prince Kang-Dae's soon arrival made her stomach churn with discomfort and unease. 

They continued their walk, Selene leading the way. Finally, they reached the door to her sister's room. She paused to address him once more. "Wait for me outside. I'll be back shortly."

Andreas nodded, his calm demeanour unwavering. He stood just outside the door, his thoughts hidden behind his stoic facade, his gaze unwavering as she quietly opened the door and slipped into Iris's room.

Her eyes immediately fell on Iris, and soon she found herself watching her sister in quiet admiration.

Iris had blossomed into a stunning young woman with her rich blonde hair, curvy figure, and cute average height. Her sky-blue long-sleeved lace dress complemented her fair complexion beautifully.

She stood with poise playing her violin while gazing out the window that had the far East mountains of Arcadia as its scenery.

"Beautiful," Selene whispered softly, prompting Iris to startle with surprise.

Iris turned to face her sister and her eyes widened. "Selene, bless the gods, you look stunning! That gown is beyond magnificent on you!" Selene chuckled and replied, "Well, I have to make a good impression, don't I?"

Iris joined her in a playful banter, encouraging her. "Oh yes, absolutely. You'll have the prince eating out of your hand, like a well-trained pup in no time."

Iris had expected Selene to laugh at her harmless jest, but instead, she groaned in response as she took long strides to Iris's bed where she sat down before letting out a long heavy sigh. Her anxiety was perceptibly roaming above their heads, and it didn't go unnoticed by Iris either.

Concern etched into her features, Iris said, "Sel? You seem apprehensive. I more than anyone understand the nature of this marriage but shouldn't you have embraced the ordeal by now?"

Selene shook her head. "A lot of things are completely in disarray." she momentarily draws in a deep breath and lets a heavy sigh follow, "This marriage is just too much Iris, I wouldn't be able to bear the responsibilities that would come with it. And truthfully, I would prefer to marry someone I love or at least have feelings for."

Iris furrowed her brow in genuine confusion. "What do you mean? I thought your conversation with Father was enough?" 

When she noticed the sour look on Selene's face, she walked over from the window, took a seat beside her older sister, and clutched Selene's hand in hers. Iris's eyes bore into Selene's as she said with worry.

"Selene, I worry for you truly. But I must ask, where did you spin this idea that we royals can have any chance at love? Everyone is aware that our marriages are transactional. I'm eighteen and I understand this. I know you understand this too but why have you refused to accept it?"

Selene's frustration tumbled over, and she answered with uncharacteristic intensity. "Why does it have to be this way? Why should we allow others to dictate how our lives go? How can you of all people tell me to sit back and let traditions stow me down? Is it so bad I want to live the way I want?"

Irene silently observed Selene and her intrusive thoughts grew her curiosity as she probed further. "Is there someone else?"

Disoriented by the sudden question, "Someone else? What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I meant. Is there someone you're in love with? I'm asking because you weren't always like this and maybe that's why you're so conflicted."

She hesitated, her thoughts racing. She wasn't even sure because she had never considered it to be a possibility, "I...I don't know, Iris. I wouldn't even know where to begin. But the gods help me, I feel like I'm being pulled in a direction opposite my will."

Iris sighed, her eyes filled with empathy. "I understand. I really do. But you have to tread carefully. Don't forget you still have a responsibility to our family and the kingdom. It's not as simple as refusing this marriage."

Selene's heart ached as she pondered her sister's words. She knew Iris was right, but the idea of sacrificing her happiness for tradition and duty left her feeling like a caged bird yearning for the open sky.

As she mulled over the intricate web of responsibility, the burden that bound her, her thoughts turned to Andreas.

Andreas had been a constant presence in her life since he became her assigned bodyguard. He consistently remained at her side as an ever-watchful guardian who had covered up for her on more occasions than she could count. She recalled a particular incident that was etched into her memory, one that had transpired six years ago.

A time when her connection with Andreas had solidified. It was the day she had snuck out of the castle to meet Sameer near her favourite pond in the forest. He had been teaching her to climb a tree, and her infatuation with him had led her to find excuses to be around him as often as possible.

Time had slipped through her fingers, and the sun dipped low on the horizon. Unbeknownst to her, the king, her father, had grown frantic, searching for his elusive daughter.

It was then that she learned the extent of the trouble her absence had caused. The castle had descended into chaos. The king and queen were furious, and when she finally returned, the servants and guards breathed a collective sigh of relief.

The blame was cast upon Andreas, and so he was locked up for losing the princess. 

Selene had rushed to the prison outside the palace walls to find him. When she had confronted Andreas, she had been prepared for a heated argument. Instead, he confessed to knowing her whereabouts but had purposefully refrained from revealing them. He explained that he didn't want her to get into trouble with the king, who was renowned for his strict discipline and no-nonsense approach.

His protective nature had touched her deeply, and she had fought with every ounce of her strength to secure his release. Though he had been suspended from his duties for a month, the incident had never repeated itself. She refrained from leaving the palace in daylight or staying away for too long. 

Andreas's loyalty was unwavering, and it was clear he cared for her deeply. He was not only a vigilant protector but also a willing listener, a steadfast defender, and a shield against danger. She had no doubt he would sacrifice himself for her, but she questioned whether it was out of duty or genuine affection.

The turmoil within Selene deepened as she began to examine her feelings for Andreas. Did she love him, or was it the familiarity of his presence, his unwavering loyalty, and their shared history? Is that what created a bond between them?

She was no closer to an answer, but one thing was certain: her heart was in a state of flux, torn between tradition, duty, and the unexpected allure of a loyal caretaker.